Faculty, Leaders Produce Article on DNP Program
The purpose of this article is to describe the planning, implementation, and evaluation of an innovative post-doctoral DNP Quality Implementation Scholars Program developed through an academic-practice partnership to address this need.
Staci S. Reynolds, assistant professor, Valerie Howard, vice dean of Academic Affairs, Diane Uzarski, chief of staff, Bradi B. Granger, professor, Mary Ann Fuchs, associate dean of Clinical Affairs and vice president of Patient Care and System Chief Nurse Executive, DUHS, and Dean Marion E. Broome contribute to "An innovative DNP post-doctorate program to improve quality improvement and implementation science skills" for the Journal of Professional Nursing. Leslie Mason, vice president of Patient Care & System Chief Nurse Executive, DUHS, is the article's other author.
Abstract
Background
Doctor of Nursing Practice programs prepare nurse leaders for unique roles to address healthcare needs across the quality spectrum. However, additional mentoring and training in implementation science and analytical skills is needed to effectively lead system-wide quality initiatives.
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to describe the planning, implementation, and evaluation of an innovative post-doctoral DNP Quality Implementation Scholars Program developed through an academic-practice partnership to address this need.
Project method
Throughout the one year post-doctoral program, we evaluated student experiences qualitatively using focus groups and quantitatively using standardized course and instructor surveys to assess overall programmatic goals. Program outcomes were evaluated from the perspective of the academic-practice partnership planning committee through a Qualtrics© survey.
Findings
Strengths of the program included the in-depth mentoring by faculty and relationships built across the larger health system. Both scholars and the planning team noted that the system-wide project implemented by the scholars was relevant, timely, and quality-focused.
Conclusions
This innovative DNP post-doctoral program leveraged the skill-sets of DNP-prepared nurse leaders to lead system-wide quality improvement initiatives tailored specifically to healthcare organizations.
Citation
Staci S. Reynolds, Valerie Howard, Diane Uzarski, Bradi B. Granger, Mary Ann Fuchs, Leslie Mason, Marion E. Broome, An innovative DNP post-doctorate program to improve quality improvement and implementation science skills, Journal of Professional Nursing, Volume 37, Issue 1, 2021, Pages 48-52, ISSN 8755-7223, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2020.12.005